Why Should You See Waimea Canyon on Kaua'i, Hawaii (and it's hidden gift at the end)

Take the drive to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

When visiting Kaua'i, Hawaii, the North Shore claims so much of the fame.  With beautiful beaches and cozy towns, people flock north after landing in Lihue.

​We went south.

Kaua'i in one of the few islands that does not have a direct route around the entire edge.  In the middle of the island sits an incredible landscape only accessible by hiking or driving to lookouts.  If you drive an hour along the south shore from Lihue, you will find yourself at Waimea State Park.  There are not a lot of stops along the way, so make sure you fuel up and have road trip gear for the trek.  (Water bottles are a must.  Click HERE to find collapsable bottles that travel well for flights.  We are Amazon Affiliates and do make a small compensation on qualifying purchases)

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", Waimea Canyon State Park offers travelers a variety of options to experience the brilliance of the landscape.  Created by the Waimea River after years of erosion, the canyon has various stopping points at different heights to catch a different view.  There are numerous trails to hike at each of these spots, ranging from easy hikes to more difficult ones out to the canyon's edges.  (We will ALWAYS share the hiking shoes we HIGHLY recommend.  Click HERE.  (Affliate link)

The canyon speaks for itself.  Every time you go the views are different based on the weather.  Rain, clouds, and sun play off of each other creating different patterns across the canyon at different times of the day.  Each time you go, you get the chance to experience something different.

This is one place where pictures are worth more than words.

At the end of the state park road is Kalalau Lookout.  This hidden gem is a gift to those who venture to travel to almost the end of the canyon and the island. And worth waiting for the next post to see!

Ready to read more about Hawaii?  Click Below!

Honolulu on Budget

Polynesian Cultural Center